Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 108 of the podcast and it's March 28, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Website Basics

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories

Comments: email from listener:

Questions from listeners:

Announcements: 

• 1) Next Group Coaching cohort is starting soon! On sale now for $333. April 11- June 7 weekly; Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. (day and time negotiated by cohort)

UPDATE: 

• Valerie:  Coaching and birthday stuff
• Erick:  website re-do
•  

Just finished:  Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden.

I'M READING: The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone ; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next: 

• Erick's Reading:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King; anthologies from mom Dr Who 50th anniversary edition; Dispatches from Anarres
•  

Show Notes: 

Website (own your home; renting is risky): URLs that are you.

Sitemap shows navigational flow

Above the fold: mailing list signup and reader magnet

Pages: About/Philosophy, Coaching, Editing, Podcast/News, Shopping, Retreat, Contact Me, Testimonials

Home page: tag line/branding; About; Books; Categories of Books; Blog (can be gallery of images, podcast, video blog, showcase); reading lists, featured on... ; 

#1purpose: Mailing list capture

#2 purpose: keep people there as long as possible

#3 purpose: convert to a customer

Model after authors in your genre (how to depict self, branding); and in your journey (like, one book or a step ahead of where you are)

Buy URL (claim domain name) ~$100 for two years

Get hosting (GoDaddy, BlueHost, HostGator, Squarespace) 

The bigger the website, the more complex the build.

Resources: 

Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group

3 Bird View FB page

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.

Contact Valerie for coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Jennie's Bio: 

J. Komp, of Just Key Edits, has been taking apart stories, to explain why we love or hate them, for over 30 years. A Behavioral Science major, that found her voice after a decade of live theater productions, Jennie lives for stories that are as entertaining and consumable as they are transformative.  Her development editing focuses on the connection between a book and its potential audience, emphasizing the tangible elements that bring a story into a reader’s everyday life and reveal our relationship with the extraordinary. 

Jennie’s style, in both fiction and non-fiction, bridges that elusive gap between art and business. She’s taken 2 companies to over 4 million Facebook fans, in less than a year, leads a live online, Read & Critique group for every proficiency level and type of writer, teaches at seminars and writers conferences across the country, and manages writers committed to reaching their publishing goals. A distinctive realist, Jennie’s dark sense of humor is balanced by a mantra that is the standard for everything she does, “the Disney is in the details.” 

Jennie's Read: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Valerie's Reads: 

Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan and The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden.

Erick's Read:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Jennie's new book!: The Phone: An Unruly Collection of Second Chances

In Erick's update, he mentions "noodling" and I immediately thought of this (which was not what he was talking about!): https://youtu.be/Yu0GhasxOws (Kathleen Madigan video clip of stand-up talking about Noodling. Hilarious!)

Jennie's group you can join:

Reading Critique Group for Writers FB Group

3 Bird View FB page

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice or building a website.

Contact Valerie for coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 106 of the podcast and it's March 22, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Setbacks

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories

Comments: email from listener:

Questions from listeners:

Announcements: 

• 1) 

UPDATE: 

• Valerie:  book launch party, speaking event, author expo, pitching conferences, doing some group coaching for The Author Life Community this weekend, some health issues slowed me down a bit.
• Erick: website error took me out of a week's worth of work; mountain of little client work to finish before getting back to my own work.
•  

Just finished:   You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

I'M READING:  Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix; Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next: Pilgrimage by J.F. Penn and  The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone

• Erick's Reading:  Fairy Tale by Stephen King
•  

Show Notes: 

"Everybody has a plan until you get hit in the mouth." Mike Tyson

 It will happen--losing control. You can't insulate yourself or your business from setbacks.

It's okay to get angry or sad. Let it out.

Sometimes immediate response doesn't work, isn't helpful.

Acknowledge the life shift and make a new plan.

Making a new plan is empowering and gives space for new growth.

"You might need a rest stop." And not every one knows how to merge, so there will be detours along the way.

Take away:

1. Feel your feelings.

2.  Empower yourself to find a new plan

3.  Be analytical and reflective about why it happened. Sometimes there is no answer.

4.  Leave space for recovery.

5.  Start the new plan.

6.  Find support to carry on with the new plan.

Next episode: interview author Jennie Komp

Resources: 

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 105 of the podcast and it's March 8, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Reflection as an Indie Author Tool

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories

Comments: email from listener:

Questions from listeners:

Announcements: 

• 1) Book launch party on Saturday
• 2) Chasing Shadows 99 cents on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YZ44QXF

UPDATE: 

• Valerie:  Went to Becca Syme's Publishing conference this past weekend. Blew my mind. I'll be going every year now. Got my books and delivered them to the bookstore for the launch party on Saturday. Starting new book project today; met with co-writer yesterday to set up the outline. 
• Erick: Website crashed; that consumed all of last week; working to catch up on client work, as a result; released reader magnet "Forgotten Shadows;" from the ground up marketing; reengaged with newsletter swaps; working on main series, plus side series with 
•  

Just finished:   In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber

I'M READING: Maame by Jessica George;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone

• Erick's Reading: Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
•  

Show Notes: "Only do what you are good at." (Wisdom gem from Erick.)

You don't need to use a spreadsheet for metrics; It can be more "feelings" oriented. 

Pick a section of time (or a work) to reflect on. For instance, a co-writing experience, writing your last novel, the ad campaign you did last week, your last month.

Example questions to ask yourself:

• What was the most memorable part of this past month?
• What were the three biggest lessons you've learned in this past month?
• Assess your priorities. Are you happy with how you spent your time? If not, what steps can you take next month to adjust them?
• What did you accomplish this past month? What are you most proud of?
• What or who are you especially grateful for this past month?
• Name three things you can improve on this upcoming month. What are concrete actions you can take to work towards these improvements?

Next episode: 

Resources: 

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 104 of the podcast and it's March 1, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Launch Day -- We live in an upside down world.

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories

Comments: email from listener: Catherine says, "I just bought your book and can't wait to read it!"

Questions from listeners:

Announcements: 

• 1) This week I was interviewed on Sample Chapter Podcast; You can hear me read the first chapter of You Can't Dance a Lie after a short interview. https://samplechapterpodcast.com/valerie-ihsan-you-cant-dance-a-lie
• 2) New Patreon story up this week for Erick; new stuff coming.

UPDATE: 

• Valerie: Launch Day. Amazon is linking large print, pb, and ebook. Ingram got back to me to wait for hardcover dust jacket issue. Taxes prepped. Goal: reduce expenses by 10% (Profit First)
• Erick: tax prep this last weekend; Erick is weird and enjoys doing his taxes. Subscription audit. Finished a second novella. Novel re-write is slowing, due to writer's group logistics. Novellas end up being ebook only. Thinking of creating omnibus of short stories and novellas.
•  

Just finished:   Profit First

I'M READING: Only Good Indians (Not into it yet.);  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber, The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone

• Erick's Reading: Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
•  

Show Notes: feed the book buying energy; new things to talk about; struggling with Learning in Public. Email [email protected] if you want the Writing and Publishing Checklist Valerie uses.

Next episode: 

Resources: 

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 103 of the podcast and it's February 22, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Mailing list maintenance

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Patreon.com/strangeairstories for paranormal mysteries short stories

Comments: email from listener: One of the things I enjoy most about your show is how you and Eric keep it real with your daily writerly struggles. It helps to hear of others going through and dealing with the same issues that we/I am. This is especially helpful to me since Covid began and getting to my local writing group has become much more difficult.  Keep up the great work!

Questions from listeners:

Announcements: 

• 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat sold out.

• 2) We have some interviews lining up, but we need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected]. 

UPDATE: 

• Valerie: Trouble with Ingram files. I made some mistakes, trying to fix them in time. And waiting for proof. Book coaching/website updates coming soon.
•  
• Erick: cover designer needs to fix the windows on his new novella
•  

Just finished:    Read Books All Day and Get Paid for It: The Business of Book Coaching by Jennie Nash

I'M READING: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber, The Blackhorse by Carole Johnstone

• Erick's Reading: 
•  

Show Notes: 

Promote newsletter on BookFunnel; Resource: Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions); open rates are important so that Google identifies your email as NOT spam; aim for 40% opens, 15% click rate; to get sell through from reader magnet-->next book in series "What happens next?"; if no next book, send to some social media account (or BookBub account) to have them follow you. Cover on reader magnet is vital. 

Onboarding sequence: download csv and upload manually to segment people in order to know where they come from.

Example: "Thank you for subscribing, here's your book; here's what I do; what do you read?; if you read first book, thank you, please review it." Once completed, they go on another list. Resource: Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Cleaning the email list: important ("list hygiene" phrase creeps out Erick. Ha ha!) 

Mailerlite "Clean up List" shows inactive members

Subscribers cost money. Make sure they are there because they want to be.

Off boarding sequence: Noticed you haven't opened recently. If you still want to be here, let me know.

Send another incentive at that point. A link for them to click. 

Free seekers will never buy.

Now, delight them with engagement and giveaways. Ask questions.

Next episode: 

Resources: 

Author XP (marketing for authors) (bi-monthly promotions)

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

 Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 102 of the podcast and it's February 15, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Professional relationships: When to Ditch Them and When to Nurture Them.

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Comments: email from listener: For a while now I’ve been meaning to congratulate you both on 100 episodes! 

I found the show last Summer and became a fan right away. Keep up the great work!

Jason A Meuschke

Thriller Author/Podcast Host

Get the latest episode on all podcast platforms or by going to www.samplechapterpodcast.com

Questions from listeners: Chad Boyer says, What is your favorite checklist (in general)?

What is your favorite checklist for writing?

Also for Erick: Does he have a favorite checklist since he knows you? or if he doesn't what checklist would he love to have or need this year?

Announcements: 

• 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.

Alumni and patron price is $775. 

• $850 Only one ticket left.
• Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum. 

• 2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected]. 
•  
• UPDATE: 
• Valerie: still panicking on the cover, sent out ARCs
• Erick: sending novella to the editor on Friday; editing next Patreon essays
•  

Just finished:    The Baker's Man by Jennifer Moorman

I'M READING: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz;  Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; 

Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber

• Erick's Reading: 
• Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Goosebumps #1 by RL Stine

Show Notes: 

Professional relationships can evolve into projects that you work on together.

Recognize when a relationship doesn't serve you.

Be aware of how to be friendly, but not friends, and watch that boundary slippage with clients.

Musts: Communication and authenticity

Nuture by being kind and clear and flexible.

End relationships that are no longer serving you, your values, or your needs. It may be uncomfortable, but people evolve. It's okay to end a professional relationship. Not all of them will be the long-term kind.

Next episode: Mailing list maintenance

Resources: 

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIE188

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 101 of the podcast and it's February 8, 2023  as we record this. 

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Comments: 

Announcements: 

• 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.

Alumni and patron price is $775. 

• $850 Only two tickets left.
• Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum. 

• 2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected]. 
•  
• UPDATE: 
• Valerie: personal: dress challenge and the gym; Author: layout and get the email to the cover designer; stop talking about the book
• Erick: Launched Patreon (where to fit in the providing benefits, advertising): patreon.com/strangeairstories

Just finished:    How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger

I'M READING:: Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs by Suzanne Clothier; 

Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber

• Erick's Reading: 
• Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin

Show Notes: 

Erick: re-configure series, Patreon marketing, putting out cookie, work on newsletter list marketing

Valerie: publish memoir, pitch conferences, Hermit card--self-discovery, inner world (5 of Cups for January)

Next episode:

Professional Relationships

Resources: 

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Landmark Episode 100 of the podcast and it's January 18, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Landmark Episode 100 with some clips

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Comments: Amazon Review 5 stars:

The Scent of Apple Tea: A story about the choices we make, beautifully written!

I chuckled, shrugged, shook my head, giggled, smiled, and cried happy tears.

A beautiful story superbly written!

I look forward to reading more stories written by this author!

Announcements: 

• 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.

Alumni and patron price is $775. 

• Early Bird price ends January 31st. $800 Only four tickets left.
• Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase in one lump sum. 

• 2) We need topic suggestions and interviewees. (Once a month.) Please send to [email protected]. 
•  
• UPDATE:
• Got a cold. First one since pre-covid. Weird. Hope it mostly clears before next week. Rest of the week will be for finishing up client work and packing for CR.

Just finished:    Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

I'M READING:  Believers: Making a Life at the End of the World by Lisa Wells; Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next:  too early to tell

• Erick's Reading: 

The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin

Writing in Restaurants by David Mamet

Heroic Hearts

Show Notes: 

The weird way Erick reads anthologies : He reads the featured short story first, then the shortest one, and the next shortest, and so on.

Most used words this year: Valerie: planner, self-care, I've got to go walk the dogs. Erick: Why can't I hear through my ear buds?

I collected a few clips and outtakes from the past year that really seem to me to highlight what this podcast embodies for us.

And that's: laughter, books, and shared experiences. And we'll end with a couple meaningful stories and quotes.

So here it is, a hodgepodge of what I love about the podcast and why I can't imagine stopping.

Resources: 

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

I've published our 2022 Book List on the website: valerieihsan.com/podcast-news

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

Some of the Books We've Read This Year:

London Seance Society by Sarah Penner

Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Hello Writers and Crafters!

I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 99 of the podcast and it's January 11, 2023  as we record this. 

Main Topic: Overthinking Your Writing

PATREON:

No new patrons this week. Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in us and in the podcast. 

This podcast is sponsored by our patrons at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. For as low as a $1/mo, you can get a postcard from me, a shout out on the podcast, and we can make announcements for you on air. At other tiers, the benefits increase--free books, accountability Zoom calls, scene analysis, mastermind calls, and even free Writer Craft retreat tickets. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. 

Comments: Your discussion inspired me. I ordered Wisdom of the Oracle cards by Colette Baron-Reid. I had one of her decks years ago. The illustrator's artwork is phenomenal!Announcements: 

**I have a female writer looking for another female-identifying writer to share lodging at the retreat. The Shared Retreat Ticket price is $650 and includes all the food, lodging, instruction, retreat, and coaching. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to ask any questions or to get the PayPal link for the Shared Retreat Ticket.

• 1) Writer Craft Writing Retreat is scheduled for next August 24-27, 2023. Tickets include all lodging and gourmet meals, plus instruction and coaching and retreat time on the river, in Marcola, OR. “We’ll be touching on book structure, story hypothesis, plotting that doesn’t hurt, author action plans, and more.”  Go to valerieihsan.com/retreat for more information.

Alumni and patron price is $775. 

• Early Bird price available from November - January. $800
• Monthly payments are an option. Send me a message [email protected] for a unique PayPal link, or go to the shopping page on my website to purchase at full price. 

• 2) We want to celebrate our 100th episode with you. Please send in an audio clip via email to [email protected] with a comment or testimonial about the podcast. What you like about it, why you listen, etc. On the 100th episode on January 18th, we'll play the clips on air. Please send in your audio clips by January 11th at the latest.
• 3) We need topic suggestions. Please send to [email protected].
•  
• UPDATE:
• Went for a personal essay instead of a short story. Wow. What a difference!

Just finished:   Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore

I'M READING: London Seance Society by Sara Penner (ARC); Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life by Beth Kempton. 

Up Next: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus or The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce.

• Erick's Reading: 

The Farthest Shore Ursula LeGuin

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Heroic Hearts

Show Notes: 

You need a way in for a short story. (Erick)

Sometimes inspiration comes quickly and worker bee mentality pushes you past the goal (I've got to fill the time). Be okay with other forms of creativity besides words on the page. Filling the creative well, walking, reading

Concern: editing out voice. (Valerie)

Resources: 

Raven Publicity (publicity for authors)

The Shades of Orange (Rachel, Book Blogger on YouTube) for book recommendations SF/Fantasy/Horror

Contact Erick for business-starting advice.

Contact Valerie for book coaching for help writing your book.

Other Resources:

Thomas Umstattd Jr, at Novel Marketing Podcast. Ep255: How to Create an Email Onboarding Drip Campaign

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Russell P. Nohelty and Monica Leonelle's book, Get Your Book Selling on Kickstarter.

Valerie's new day book for the year 2023 is: Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.

The Author Life Community

Passion Planner: https://bit.ly/3AUiJUx (affiliate link) Discount Code: VALERIEO866

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Find Us:

Valerie’s Services: https://valerieihsan.com

Valerie’s Author Site: https://valerieihsanauthor.com

Valerie’s Facebook Page and Instagram account

Erick’s Services: https://erickmertzwriting.com

Erick’s free book on Ghostwriting: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cexki4kp5n

Erick’s Author Site: https://erickmertzauthor.com

Erick’s Facebook Page and Instagram account 

Writer Craft Facebook Group

Patreon: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan